UPDATED: Wrong-way driver only injury in Highway 44 wrecks

A wrong-way driver Tuesday night caused at least three crashes that snarled traffic on Highway 44 near downtown Redding.

California Highway Patrol officers say the driver of a Toyota Camry traveling about 60 mph struck a pickup, a Honda Accord and a van carrying three youths.

The driver of the Camry was traveling east in the westbound lanes of Highway 44 when his car finally came to a stop about mid-way between Interstate 5 and the Sundial Bridge exit, officers said. He was the only person injured in the series of wrecks, they said.

But he also hit cars earlier as far east as Stillwater Road, the CHP reported. Officers said he started out driving eastbound, but turned around and headed westbound.

The driver apparently had some sort of medical issue, an officer said.

Traffic on westbound Highway 44 was backed up to Interstate 5 until around 6:35 p.m., when both lanes were opened.